2007 Intro: Michael Byrd

While his Thomasville (N.C.) High School teammate Quan Warley is a more heralded player on the high school level, Michael Byrd might be a better college prospect.

"With a kid with Byrd's size that could move well, he has the potential to have a bright college future," said Thomasville head football coach Benji Brown.

A 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end, Byrd is more of an unsung hero in Thomasville's rushing game, which accumulated over 3,000 yards in 2005. Although known for his blocking, Byrd is a concealed receiving threat.

"Byrd is really a very physical blocker," said Brown. "He really has a lot of athletic ability as far as being able to run and jump. We don't throw it much here [at Thomasville], but he's got good hands and has the ability to hurt you once he catches it."

Somewhat of a sleeper, Byrd is mostly being recruited by the schools statewide at this point. Regardless, he might be on the verge of landing his first Division I-A scholarship offer.

"East Carolina and North Carolina are the most interested,' said Brown. "East Carolina had talked about possibly offering, but hasn't offered, yet."

Thus far, Byrd has unofficially visited East Carolina, N.C. State and North Carolina.

Still early in his recruitment, Brown believes Byrd will look hard at all of his options before establishing a favorites list.

"I'm sure he has a personal favorite, but I'm sure he's mature enough to take the best opportunity available," said Brown.

Being used mostly as a blocking tight end in Thomasville's offense, Byrd's receiving opportunities were limited as a junior. However, Brown figures to use him more during his senior season.